Rivers Commissioner praises Sharks, Dolphins

The Commissioner for Sports in Rivers State, Fred Igwe, has praised the two teams that represented the state in the just concluded Nigeria Professional Football League.

Despite the performances of both teams which was devoid of continental silver ware, Rivers State Commissioner of Sports, Hon Fred Igwe expressed delight in the players, technical and administrative managers of both teams for keeping the teams in the elite league.

“Though I had expected a ticket to play continental football from either of the teams next season, that did not happen, be as it may, am still happy they finished in the top ten bracket of the twenty team table, don’t forget four teams were relegated,” Igwe said in the statement released by Juliana Masi, the press officer.

“I commend the management of both teams most especially Sharks for fulfilling the promise they made when they were going through bad times that the team will not be relegated,” he stressed.

“Sharks was work in progress last season and I expect the management to keep the bulk of the players that helped turn the fortune of the team around and that means, they must as a matter of necessity win a ticket for the state next season.

“Same goes for Dolphins who must take a shot at continental glory because they have won virtually all the available trophies in the country in the recent past. Once again, I am happy with what you have done, (management of both teams) but you have to redouble your effort by bringing quality legs to the team to ensure better performance next season,” he said.

Of the four teams that were relegated, three were from southwest Nigeria, and two were from the same state.